In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 97

Our Great Command

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 5, 2008

We tend to view love as a warm fuzzy feeling reserved for a select few of our friends and family. However, God calls us to a life of holy love – a love founded on His love for us and built with decisive actions instead of feelings.

Introduction: When I was in school studying to become a pastor, a fellow student said, “Church work would be a lot easier if it weren’t for people.” Me (my dilemma or question) I laughed at my friend’s statement – church work is about people. Pastors work with people day in and day out. Here are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Wesleyan

Our Great Mission

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 5, 2008

Humans tend to one of two extremes when we look at the problems plaguing this world. One extreme declares, “We can solve these problems. We can clean up this mess if we all work hard enough.” The other extreme cries out in despair, “We will never solve

Introduction: “Before you were born, God planned this moment in your life. It is no accident that you are [here this morning]. God longs for you to discover the life he created you to live – here on earth, and forever in eternity.” Citation: Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, © 2002, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Wesleyan

Faith Is More

Contributed by Mark Haines on Mar 12, 2007

I’m calling God’s people in my care to develop a faith in Jesus that goes beyond mental assent (belief) to include emotional reliance (trust) and active obedience (loyalty).

Introduction: The Bible tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). The Bible says, "The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:17). That makes me think that faith is very important -- even vital. But what is faith? The Bible commands us to "stand firm in the ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: Wesleyan

Identify Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Mar 12, 2007

I will encourage God’s people in my care to identify at least one person with whom they will share Jesus’ love between now and Easter Sunday.

Introduction: What do you tend to notice as you travel around town? What kinds of things naturally catch your eye? Based on our gender, our likes/dislikes, our personalities, our natural inclinations, we all tend to notice particular things. We’ve all had the experience of buying a new car (at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-31

Denomination: Wesleyan

Dead Mules Don't Work

Contributed by Mark Haines on Jan 12, 2007

Too many Christians settle for being forgiven and fail to recognize that dead sinners do not disobey God. We can live in obedience because we are alive to God and dead to sin.

My purpose is to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to surrender their lives to Jesus and to live in obedience to him. Response Goal: Individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit will surrender their lives to God in prayer – at the altar rail if they want to prayer ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Getting Jesus For Christmas Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 22, 2006

The truth that we receive or reject Jesus in every choice we make must replace the idea that receiving him as Lord and Savior in a one-time event (i.e. baptism, church membership or sinner’s prayer).

Visual/Sensory Illustration(s) Pictures from A Christmas Carol movies Clips from A Christmas Carol movies Chains – actual chains hanging around or pictures; perhaps sound clips of rattling chains IDEAS for Other Illustrations Quotes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens IDEAS ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Getting The Spirit Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 16, 2006

The essence of Christianity is this remarkable truth: Christ came from heaven and died for us on the cross and rose again so that, in the person of the Holy Spirit, he might dwell in our lives.

Response Goal: Individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit will join me in starting each day by saying, “Behold, the servant of the Lord. Be it unto me according to your word. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. More than anything else, I want Jesus to show up in my life. I’m available to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Wesleyan

Getting Joy For Christmas Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 16, 2006

Happiness is rooted in human emotions. Joy is rooted in Jesus and is powered by God’s grace.

Response Goal: Individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit will pray silently and connect with Jesus. REPENTANCE POINT {paradigm shifts or changes in our thinking}: Finding joy does not involve making your circumstances better - it involves making your mind work like Jesus’ mind. Citation: Tom Fuller, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Wesleyan

Getting A Life Sentence For Christmas Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 16, 2006

If people will summarize your entire life in a single sentence, try to influence that sentence. You and I are the authors of our own “Life Sentences.” The next step for most of will be to decide to live life on purpose.

Response Goal: Individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit will think about questions designed to help them begin to write their Life Sentences on purpose. REPENTANCE POINT {paradigm shifts or changes in our thinking}: With a single sentence, your friends and family will summarize your entire life. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4

Denomination: Wesleyan

Getting Sober For Christmas Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 16, 2006

We need to get sober for Christmas. We need to admit Jesus came to save sinners like us. He didn’t come just for people like drug dealers and dead beat parents. He came for mass murders and terrorists as well as nice people like you and me.

Response Goal: Individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit will pray the last verses of Psalm 139. REPENTANCE POINT {paradigm shifts or changes in our thinking}: We need to get sober for Christmas. We need to admit Jesus came to save sinners like us. He didn’t come just for people like drug dealer ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-18

Denomination: Wesleyan

Take The Checkered Flag Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Jan 6, 2005

The final sermon in this NASCAR series that uses Parable leading to Textual Exposition to call people to generous living.

Bible Text: 1 Timothy 6:3-19 Series: NASCAR Comes To Church Title: Take the Checkered Flag Topic: Christian Living / Stewardship Theme: Purposeful Growth in Christian Living / Stewardship of What We Have Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to commit ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-19

Denomination: Wesleyan

Rookies, Veterans And Hard Knocks Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Jan 4, 2005

This is the fifth sermon in a series that brings NASCAR along side spiritual truths in order to call people to keep on learning and growing through the hard knocks of life.

Bible Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-4:5 Series: NASCAR Comes To Church Title: Rookies, Veterans and Hard Knocks Topic: Christian Living / Stewardship Theme: Purposeful Growth in Christian Living / Stewardship of Life Lessons & Skills Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Team Is Vital Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Jan 1, 2005

Fourth message in a series using NASCAR prinicples as a series of parables to encourage people to follow God’s pattern for life.

Bible Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2 Series: NASCAR Comes To Church Title: The Team is Vital Topic: Christian Living / Relationships Theme: Christian Living in Relationships Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to respect others and to develop pure ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

Design Is Crucial Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 31, 2004

This is the third sermon in a series that brings NASCAR along side spiritual truths in order to challenge God’s people in my care to live holy lives on purpose and by design.

Bible Text: 1 Timothy 4:9-16 Series: NASCAR Comes To Church Title: Design Is Crucial Topic: Christian Living Theme: Holy Christian Living Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness challenging God’s people in my care to live holy lives on purpose and by design Response: Individuals prompted by ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:9-16

Denomination: Wesleyan

Start Well / Finish First Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 30, 2004

This is the second sermon in a series that brings NASCAR along side spiritual truths in order to help us understand God and his PATTERN FOR LIFE.

Bible Text: 2 Timothy 2:15, 20-21 Series: NASCAR Comes To Church Title: Start Well / Finish First Topic: Christian Living Theme: Purpose & Power for Christian Living Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness challenging God’s people in my care to determine to live out God’s purpose in his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15-21

Denomination: Wesleyan